With less than €1 billion dividing farmers and the Government on agreeing a farming pillar to the social partnership agreement, the two main farm organisations, the IFA and the ICMSA, reported progress when the talks were adjourned on Saturday evening.
The negotiations are expected to resume on Tuesday on farm demands that the Government increase its commitment to the sector as EU contributions decrease.
It is understood the farm lobby is seeking €7.1 billion and Government has offered €6.3 billion.
Jackie Cahill, president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association, said a further response from Government was required to properly finance an envisaged seven-year farm development programme.
The organisation was also seeking a code of practice on the implementation of the controversial nitrates directive.
Padraig Walshe, president of the Irish Farmers' Association, said of all the sectors in social partnership, farming was facing the most serious challenges in the coming years. He said that any partnership agreement would have to recognise this.